Bernardine Monastery in Święta Katarzyna

Every wanderer heading for Łysica from Świętokrzyska passes by the mysterious walls of the monastery on the edge of the Świętokrzyska Forest.

Currently, Bernardine Sisters reside in the monastery. Remember that their congregation is enclosed - most of the monastery buildings are therefore inaccessible to outsiders.

The Bernardine women, however, accurately describe their everyday life on their website. Their day begins at five in the morning and ends at 21. They are filled with prayer, silent contemplation and work, among others, in the laundry, kitchen, gate, garden, orchard or at embroidery.

Although tourists are not allowed to enter all the buildings of the monastery farm, it is worth visiting the adjoining church. The monastery (originally for the Bernardines) already existed here in the 15th century, but numerous fires meant that the buildings you visit are much later. Note the intricately wrought iron grille from the 18th century. Behind it is a church with modern furnishings. On the right side you will find the figure of the patron saint of the church, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, from whom the whole village at the foot of Łysica took its name.